The Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Learning Aromatherapy Courses

My last two posts were on aromatherapy requirements in the U.K. and how to become a registered aromatherapist in the U.S. - but what do you do if you want to train in aromatherapy and live no where near an aromatherapy course provider?  In the U.S., this is a common problem as distances are great and it is expensive to travel across state (and country) to study, especially if it involves more than one trip.  Even if you live in the U.K., you may have to travel to find a reputable aromatherapy course provider.

The alternative is to study through distance learning.  But how do distance learning aromatherapy courses compare to actual attendance on a course?  And how much of a 'real' qualification is a distance learning course?  Like other aromatherapy courses, the availability of distance learning aromatherapy courses is wide and varied.  Some allow you to find out what aromatherapy is about before taking a more comprehensive course; others actually give you an accredited diploma at the end of it.  However, it is possible to study for a university accredited degree through distance learning today, demonstrating how flexible study can be.

The advantages of studying aromatherapy through distance learning include:

• study where and when you want
• no travel expenses
• study at your own pace
• e-mail/telephone support depending on the course provider
• one-on-one tuition in some cases.

However, the disadvantages of studying aromatherapy through distance learning include:

• no interaction with other students (although some course providers may provide a facility for doing this, for example a forum)
• practical applications may be more difficult to master
• communication is less 'personal'
• you may 'miss' certain information which is naturally brought up in classroom situation
• you need to be self-disciplined and organized to successfully complete the course.

Some aromatherapy distance learning courses require you to attend a class for a day or two at the end of the course for practical learning.  A lot of aromatherapy distance learning courses are assessed through assignments, rather than exams, which may mean more course work but no exam pressure.

On a personal note, I studied for my aromatherapy diploma with Penny Price academy through distance learning.  For me, at that point in my life, I felt it suited both my needs and my personal situation.  However, I did voluntarily opt to take a couple of 'specialized' day courses at the end of the course, which I found to be of great benefit in clarifying a few issues for me.  In addition, if I had remained in the U.K., I would have opted to do further study to 'upgrade' my aromatherapy distance learning diploma, although I have to stress it is a 'stand alone' qualification too.

Since I completed my aromatherapy course, I have done a lot more personal study and participated in aromatherapy forums and writing, from which I have continued to learn a lot about aromatherapy.  Advanced aromatherapy study is next on my 'wish list' but deciding how to do it is my next problem.  Maybe I'll opt for distance learning again!  After all, it doesn't matter where you are in the world when you choose to study distance learning!

Aromatherapy Requirements in the U.K.

Last week I wrote a bit about how to become a registered aromatherapist in the U.S; although I've spent the last 3 years practicing aromatherapy in the U.S., I initially did my aromatherapy training in the U.K.  Personal circumstances brought me to the U.S., where I had to try to figure out the best way of practicing aromatherapy in what, to me, was a 'foreign' country.  I've learned a few things along the way, and although I'm not as in touch with U.K. regulations as I once was, I'll attempt to outline what I do know/have experienced.

As in the U.S., there a many aromatherapy 'courses' on offer to the aspiring aromatherapist from on line courses, weekend courses and full year diploma courses.  Aromatherapy is sometimes offered as part of a 'natural therapies' diploma course at a local college.  To practice as an aromatherapist your aromatherapy course must be benchmarked to the National Occupational Standards (NOS).   Of course, if you just want to learn a bit about aromatherapy to treat yourself, family and friends a shorter course may be more appropiate for you.

In May 2009, the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council launched a register, endorsed by the Department of Health, in attempt to 'formalize' and regulate the aromatherapy profession to some degree.  Registration is voluntary but as it has official governement backing, being on the register, will undoubtly put an aromatherapist in 'higher standing'.  For details on registration visit The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council.

Another organization which is a voluntary self-regulatory body for the aromatherapy profession in the U.K. is the Aromatherapy Council. On the Aromatherapy Council's web site, you can find information on:

• aromatherapy organizations which give links to aromatherapy schools which meet the NOS standards
• tips on how to choose an aromatherapy course
• how to recognize if an aromatherapist holds full credentials and qualifications
• many other useful links and information.

In my opinion, aromatherapy training is more 'formalized' in the U..K. than the U.S. but it is also a more accepted practice of complementary medicine; the use of essential oils is used in the National Health System in the U.K., something which is a long way from being achieved in the U.S. (where the whole issue of health care is managed entirely differently).  Many people do not really know what aromatherapy is in the U.S. (based on my experiences) or how powerful it actually is; aromatherapy is often confused with fragrance oils in the U.S. (which is something entirely different).

I took my aromatherapy training with Penny Price in the U.K. which I would highly recommend to others; in fact, I would like to continue further training with Penny Price - but distance (and subsequently cost) is an issue with me at the moment!  I know if I ever do move back closer to the U.K., I would have no hesitation in taking further training with Penny - and no doubt I would have to continue practicing aromatherapy in the U.K./Europe!  Of course, the U.S. may catch up in the mean time - perhaps :) - otherwise an advanced distance learning course is looking good - and that's what I'll discuss next time!

If you are a U.K. aromatherapist, I would love to know your comments on aromatherapy training and requirements in the U.K.; please post me a comment below!

Using Essential Oils and Herbs in Pregnancy

Herbs and essential oils are 'natural' medicine so they have to be 'good' for you?  Not necessarily!  Some herbs and essential oils are very toxic and are not recommended for normal use.  When it comes to pregnancy, some herbs and essential oils are capable of inducing an early labor, aborting baby, poisoning baby and more.  Some essential oils and herbs are uterine stimulants which mean that they may be good for labor - but check with a medical professional first, because some are also toxic.  And then there are some essential oils and herbs which help induce menustration - not something you want in pregnancy either!

To learn more read:

Herbs and Oils to Avoid in Pregnancy

This article is only a brief overview of the subject and I highly recommend that you do further reading, research and take professional advice before using some of these herbs and oils for pregnancy.

How to Become a Registered Aromatherapist in the U.S.

I posted about the Professional Aromatherapy Training in the Use of Essential Oils last year and stated that becoming a registered aromatherapist was an option, but not a requirement in the U.S. Registration to become a registered aromatherapist in the U.S. is done through the Aromatherapy Registration Council; although this is not something I have done during my time in the U.S. here are some further details about it, if you want to take your aromatherapy training/recognition one step further.

The Aromatherapy Registration Council was established in 1999 to assess independently aromatherapists who apply for membership; the Aromatherapy Registration Council is a non-profit organization which is not affilated with any aromatherapy training provider or school.  Applicants who apply for membership are required to take a four hour, 250 question, multiple choice exam, held in many local cities throughout the U.S.  Exam dates are set twice a year, approximately in March/April and September/October.  Once the applicant has successfully passed the exam, aromatherapy registration with the Aromatherapy Registration Council is valid for five years (at which time a new exam is required to be taken).

Applicants to the Aromatherapy Registration Council need to have completed at least a one year Level 2 aromatherapy program which is in compliance with NAHA Educational Guidelines; there is also an application fee (currently $275).  Successful registered aromatherapists are expected to complete continuing education to maintain their membership; registered aromatherapists with the Aromatherapy Registration Council are listed in a directory too.

As there are currently no minimum requirements to set up as an 'aromatherapist' in the U.S., registration with the Aromatherapy Registration Council adds more weight and credibility to an aromatherapist's qualifications and expertise.  However, it depends on what area of aromatherapy you intend to practice in, and personal choice, in order to make a decision whether the registration would be of benefit to you.

I have not chosen to become a registered aromatherapist in the U.S as yet due to a number or reasons; some of those are personal ones.  However, should my situation change it may be something I will consider in the future.

Next time I'll look at aromatherapy registration requirements in the U.K.!

If you have any comments on How to Become a Registered Aromatherapist in the U.S. please post below!

Essential Oils for the 'Winter Blues'

I don't know about you, but I am not a 'winter' person; here in Arizona, we are usually treated to some pretty nice weather, even in the winter months, with sunny, if cold, days.  However, for the last month it seems like we have had nothing but rain, snow and overcast days - with hardly a peek of sunshine - pretty much like the weather I was used to in the U.K.  Consquently, or maybe as a coincidence, I have been feelling pretty low and off-color the past couple of weeks.

However, there are some essential oils which can come to the rescue of 'winter blues' and depression.  Many essential oils possess the properties which make us feel more uplifted and more 'normal'.  Some essential oils which help with the 'winter blue' include:

• geranium
• rose
• rosemary
• neroli
• petitgrain
• sandalwood
• frankincense
• cypress
• juniper
• lavender
• chamomile
• ylang ylang.

In addition, I find that many of the citrus oils, such as lemon, mandarin and orange, can help me feel more 'uplifted'.  Use essential oils in an aromatherapy blend, in the bath or in a diffuser.  I also find buring pure essential oil candles helps, especially on a 'dark' day!

Now, I'm off for some 'winter blues' healing with my essential oils!

If you have any thoughts on 'Essential Oils for the Winter Blues'' please post me a comment below!

When Not to Use Essential Oils

I have probably already covered this topic, either here at Aromatherapy Notes, in a blog post, or elsewhere but my latest article is a reminder of the contraindications in the use of essential oils.  Essential oils are relatively safe to use - if used correctly and in the correct circumstances.  Some advise use in pregnancy, with medication and other situations, some do not - but in any essential oil use, it really is a matter of understanding how an essential oil works, what it contains and then understanding how it will cause (or not cause) a reaction.  Everyone is different so it is wise to take the time to learn about essential oils before using them - and know how you are going to react to them in different situations.

To learn more read:

Contraindications in the Use of Essential Oils

Please leave a comment below if you have experienced any particular reaction in using essential oils...

My Favorite Essential Oils for Romance!

So, Valentine's Day is just around the corner - and romance is in the air!  In fact, aromatherapy is in the air too!  Many essential oils are aphrodisiac, meaning they have the capability of inducing love and romance!  Rose is probably the oil most synonomous with love but there are others too; discover my top five essential oils for romance here....

The Link Between Chocolate and Aromatherapy

Some of you may know that I have a web site called Chocolate Aromatherapy; the inspiration for Chocolate Aromatherapy came from my love of chocolate and the frustration of the abundance of chocolate 'aromatherapy' products which were on the market - and were, in fact, not 'true' aromatherapy products.  Many chocolate aromatherapy web sites feature novelty items which combine chocolate in various items with a chocolate 'fragrance' and not 'true' chocolate aromatherapy - read my article, Essential Oil, Fragrance Oil or Hydrosol? to re-cap on the differences between essential oils and fragrance oils.

But, chocolate, isn't an essential oil either, so how can it be classed as 'true' chocolate aromatherapy?  Chocolate is made from the cacao beans/seeds of the cacao tree.  Cacao seeds have various uses - they were highly prized by the Mayan culture, more so than gold, and were in fact the equivalent of the value of 'money' as we use it today.  Cacao beans were traded with other tribes in exchange for goods and services.

Today, of course, cacao beans are used to make chocolate - and they are also the source of cocoa butter, also known as theobrama.  Cocoa butter is often used in aromatherapy, either on its own or combined with essential oils - hence the link between chocolate and 'true' aromatherapy!

To learn more about the link between chocolate and aromatherapy, check out these articles:

The Chocolate Tree
Chocolate and Aromatherapy

As Valentine's Day is approaching, why not treat yourself or a loved one, to a special treat of chocolate aromatherapy?  Check out Chocolate Aromatherapy to learn more!

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is often thought about in conjunction with taking evening primrose capsules - but did you know it was a carrier oil which is also used in aromatherapy?  The research and scientific evidence about whether evening primrose rose actually works is all a bit contradictory but there are some areas in which evening primrose oil is effective.  Skin conditions seem to be the main use of evening primrose oil - to learn more, read my full article Evening Primrose Carrier Oil....

Amazing Facts About Essential Oils

Although I've studied a lot about essential oils in the course of my aromatherapy studies, I still continually research and revise information for articles which I write for various web magazines and for my own blog. Some of the facts I discover/re-discover continue to amaze me, so I thought that I would share some of what, I consider, to be some of the amazing things about aromatherapy.  Of course there are many more but these are my favorite top ten amazing facts about essential oils! If you have anything to add, please leave me a comment below this blog post!

• there are only 21 plant families which produce essential oils (source: Aromatherapy Workbook, Shirley Price, 2000)
• only one per cent of the entire plant species population produce essential oils (source: Aromatherapy Massage for You, Jennie Harding, 2005)
• essentials oils, as used today, were 'discovered' by French chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse, in 1928, only 82 years ago (although, the use of plant oils, in various forms, have been in use for centuries)
• on the other side of the coin, ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans were using plant oils for medicinal and beauty purposes long before 'modern day' aromatherapy was 'invented'
• an Arab physician, by the name of Avicenna (980 A.D. - 1037 A.D.), is accredited with the invention of a refrigerated coil which changed the way plants were distilled; this method is still used today
• the exact chemical components of all essential oils is still not known; scientists have studied the chemical components of many essential oils and are still establishing what some essential oils are made up of.  Rose essential oil, for example, has some unknown chemical components, which is one of the reasons why it is so difficult to 'copy' the exact aroma of rose in synthetic form
• the bitter orange tree produces three different essential oils: petitgrain essential oil (from the leaves), neroli essential oil (from the flowers) and bitter orange essential oil (from the fruit).  The sweet orange tree produces one essential oil from the fruit
• many plant species/families produce different varieties of similar or different essential oils; examples include the lavender essential oils, the sage essential oils and the chamomile essential oils
• essential oils are versatile in their use; known for their healing properties, essential oils can also be used in the home as a natural cleaning product, to repel insects, in the use of pets and even assist plants in the garden, effectively taking them back to their source!
• an 'essential oil' is not always an essential oil - it may actually be a concrete, resin, resinoid, oleoresin or hydrosol.

Essential Oils for Pets

A few people have asked me about the use of essential oil for dogs and cats; I have no experience or training in this area, and for the inexperienced, it can be a case of 'trial and error' because cats and dogs (and other animals) react differently to humans in the use of essential oils.  This is partly due to their various sizes, different PH levels and other anomalies.

Horses have long been known to respond positively to all types of alternative healing - including aromatherapy.  I don't personally own a horse, so I can't verify that absolutely but it is common knowledge.

However, I do own a dog and recently I have been looking for an alternative treatment to the veterinary endorsed flea and pest medications; althought these medications kept the fleas and other insects off my dog, he didn't really like them.  Every time I went to apply the medication, he ran away and hid or struggled all the time I was applying it.  He was also sick a couple of times after the application which made me think that he wasn't actually responding that well to the chemicals it was made up of.  They say animals tend to know what is good for them (sometimes!) so....

I finally looked to essential oils for an answer.  My dog is not a big dog - he is a cavalier king charles spaniel who weighs approximately 21 lbs (at best guess, its a while since he was actually weighed!).  After researching Valerie Ann Worwood's book The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, in which she has a chapter on using essential oils for pets, I narrowed my choice down to either citronella essential oil or lemongrass essential oil.

I chose to use citronella essential oil and applied a single drop to my dog's neck, after first letting him sniff it.  Although he wasn't keen at the actual application (he actually doesn't like anything being put on him!), he wasn't opposed to the aroma and didn't react to it as negatively as the chemical medication - and so far it appears to have worked.

Every dog is different, so if you are using essential oils for pets I would advise doing a patch test first, know your dog, and let him 'choose' the essential oil.  Take extra care in using essential oils for pets, particularly if you have little or no experience or knowledge of using essential oils.

Valerie Ann Worwood's book, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, is available in my Amazon book store for purchase.

If you have any thoughts on using "Essential Oils for Pets" please post a comment below!

Apricot Kernel Oil

Apricot Kernel oil is a similar oil to Sweet Almond oil and is a popular oil used in aromatherapy and massage.  Discover the properties of Apricot Kernel oil by reading my latest carrier oil profile, Apricot Kernel Carrier Oil...

The Practice of 'Aromatherapy' in Ancient Pompeii

Aromatherapy, as we know it today, is actually a relatively modern practice.  Students of aromatherapy know that Rene Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist, is accredited with the 'discovery' of the power of essential oils in 1928.  Rene Maurice Gattefosse badly burned his hand, whilst carrying out his work, and immediately plunged his hand into the nearby vat of water -except the vat of water turned out to be a vat of lavender.  Gatterfosse was amazed at the lack of burn scarring on his hand and thus aromatherapy, or as the French call it 'aromatherapie' was born. (Incidently, my business Sedona Aromatherapie takes its name from the French for aromatherapy, although this causes much confusion amongst non-aromatherapy educated individuals!).

However, ancient people have been using plants - and their oils - for thousands of years.  Many argue that this is not 'aromatherapy', and in the most strict sense of the word, this is correct. However, the oils the ancient people used might not be the same as essential oils distilled today (the distillation process of essential oils was greatly advanced by Avicenna in ancient Persia) but these ancient people certainly knew the power of a plant's oils and properties.  The Ebers Papyrus of Ancient Egypt lists many plants which ancient Egytpians used.

On a visit to Pompeii in Italy a couple of years ago I was fascinated to learn that amongst the archeological excavations of ancient Pompeii was the discovery of the use of many plants and oils, several used in similar ways to the way we use them today.  And this was in 79 A.D.  A fascinating book on this subject (and more) is Perfumes, Ungents and Hairstyles in Pompeii by Carlo Giordano, Angelandrea Casale.  The book is published in both Italian and English.

To learn more about how Pompeiians used plants and oils read:

Ancient Perfumes of Pompeii
Lost Medicinal Plants of Pompeii

Of course, the Pompeiians weren't the only ones who used plants and oils in aromatic ways.  England and Europe used many ancient 'lotions and potions' throughout the preceding centuries, many of which got 'lost' in the 'dark' ages.  However, today many people are rediscovering the benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils - perhaps we can look back to our ancestors for some ancient 'aromatherapy' advice!

You may also be interested in the related blog post - The Historical Use of Aromatherapy in Skincare

If you have any comments on 'The Practice of 'Aromatherapy' in Ancient Pompeii' please post a comment below!

Aromatherapy in the Garden

For my first blog post of the New Year, I got to thinking about aromatherapy in the garden.  Spring is not far away, although depending on where you live it may seem like winter will never end! This year I really want to try and add some fragrant and aromatic plants and flowers to my porch/yard/garden.

A book which I have found extremely useful in this area is one which is on my favorite books list, on the left hand side of the blog - that is An Aromatherapy Garden by Julia Lawless.  Although it is written from an English perspective, I think it contains many interesting and useful facts and information no matter where you live in the world.  To give you an idea of what the book contains, here's a list of the contents page:

• history of the scented garden
• aromatic herbs for health and cooking
• a perfumery and aromatherapy border
• fragrant exotica and container plants
• secrets from the still room
• planning an aromatherapy garden
• aromatherapy plant potraits.

Of course, it depends on where you live as to what is possible to grow, but if you have an interest in both aromatherapy and plants, I would highly recommend this book, to give you some ideas.  It also contains many beautiful photos of flowers and plants which will inspire you if nothing else!  You can purchase the book by clicking on the link on the left hand side of the page, which also directs you to a review of the book.

I also have a couple of articles in the Sedona Aromatherapie library about aromatherapy garden, including an article I wrote on return from a trip to Pompeii in Italy, a couple of years ago.  I'll write more about that next time but in the meantime, here's the link for the two articles:

• Gardens of Pompeii
• An Aromatherapy Garden

People often associate aromatherapy with the bottles of essential oils - and often forget where those essential oils originally came from, so I think that creating your very own aromatherapy garden is both a reminder of that and a tranquil and calming place to study more about aromatherapy!  At least, that is my intention for the following year!

If you have any thoughts on aromatherapy and gardens please post me a comment below!